Rumano is a Kid Governor Cabinet member, and her platform, Vermont Strong: Inside and Out, is about helping kids take care of themselves and each other. Read below to learn about her Screen-Free Challenge taking place May 18-25, 2026.
Did you know kids ages 8 to 12 spend about 5 ½ hours a day on screens for entertainment? That can take time away from things kids need to feel healthy and happy, like playing outside, moving their bodies, resting, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. Screen-free time is one way to practice taking care of ourselves. When we put screens down, we make more space to notice how we feel, connect with the world around us, and choose activities that help us feel calm, creative, and strong. The challenge is not about giving up screens perfectly. It is about trying something different and seeing how it makes you feel. Together, we can unplug, reconnect, and help create a healthier, happier Vermont!
You can read about the details of the challenge below or download information and a Bingo Card by clicking here.
How Can I Participate?
We know that a whole week of no screens at all might not be possible. The challenge is to stop and think before turning to the television or tablet and give another activity a try instead.
There are a few ways to get involved:
- Play our screen-free Bingo Card!
- Enter our photo contest (more info below!)
- Send us an email or a video telling us what you did for the challenge and what you liked about it or what you learned from it!
Photos, videos, completed bingo cards, and email reflections should all be sent to info@vt.kidgovernor.org by May 31. Make sure to include your name, school, and age. We will compile everything we receive into a video celebrating the benefits of screen-free time!
Photo Contest:
Okay, we know it’s a little funny to need access to a phone camera to take photos for the challenge. Ask the adult you are with to keep the phone tucked away and give it to you when it’s time to take your photo!
Email photo entries to info@vt.kidgovernor.org by May 31 and make sure to let us know what categoring you are entering!
Photo Contest Categories:
- Best Spring Colors
- NAMY (Nature Appreciation Moment Yahoo!) – this could be a view from a hike, a cool tree, clouds, or any other cool nature moment that you see!
- I Did That – a photo of something you made while screen free! This could be a craft, a meal, a puzzle you put together, or a smile you put on a friend’s face!
Resources:
Libraries – Most people know that libraries are a great place to find books. But a lot of libraries also offer the chance to rent things like binoculars, board games, puzzles, and even hula hoops! You can go to this website to see a list of libraries with fun items to rent.
Check out the book The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Gilled World. 5th graders at Lincoln Community School are reading it right now and it was recommended by Kid Governor cabinet member, Lincoln!